Preventing drug use problems: the university as a site for local action

Alcohol and young people: minimizing the harm

In this paper the literature on patterns of use of alcohol by teenagers is reviewed. The model as proposed by Thorley is used to describe the specific nature of alcohol problems experienced by young people. A systemic approach to prevention is explored and recommendations are made about ways to minimise the harm associated with alcohol use by young people.

Fluid skills: drinking games and alcohol consumption among Australian university students

The objective of this study was to assess participation in drinking games among Australian university students; to determine the range of games played, their context and participant motivations; and to analyse the impact of games on alcohol consumption and its adverse consequences. We used a cross-sectional survey incorporating structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire with students between 18 and 25 years of age at the University of Western Australia. This was a qualitative assessment of drinking game typology and contexts and participant motivation. Quantitative outcomes were rate and frequency of participation in drinking games; amount and rate of alcohol consumption during games; incidence of adverse outcomes following participation. Twenty-seven interview responses and 256 questionnaire responses were analysed for qualitative and quantitative outcomes, respectively. The qualitative analysis enabled categorisation of drinking games by skill and competitive nature, with varying influence on hazardous drinking. Common reported motivations for play included boredom, social pressure and social unease. The associated heavy drinking and possible hazards were well recognised but did not affect the decision to play. In the quantitative arm, most drinkers (74%) reported having participated in a drinking game. Game players reported playing an average of four drinking games in the previous 6 months. An average of six standard drinks was consumed during the most recent game. Pressure to participate from others was reported by 60% of game participants, while 50% reported that they had placed pressure on others to participate. Half (51%) reported an adverse outcome following participation. Loss of consciousness due to drinking was experienced or witnessed by 89% of game players, of whom 63% reported that the person was put to bed, while 54% reported that the person was watched. Participation in drinking games was common, and plays an important social role in this group. Drinking games were associated commonly with binge drinking and adverse outcomes. Future harm minimisation strategies targeting this group should address the particular risks of these games.

What prevents prevention? Lessons from the failure of a university alcohol and drug policy

This paper describes an investigation of why an attempt at alcohol and drug problem prevention failed. Between 1986 and 1991 a comprehensive policy on alcohol and drug use was developed in a university in Western Australia. Using a key-informant approach, 26 'players' central to the decision to reject the policy were interviewed, and relevant university documents were examined. The failure of the initiative was found to be caused not only by bad policy formulation (for example, the perceived poor tone of the document, concerns about content and general presentation) but also to bad process. Lack of effective consultation, suspicions about the origins of the policy, distrust and dislike of the policy presenters and concerns about the aim of the policy were cited as major impediments. The central tenet of the policy, that in order to reduce alcohol problems everyone must reduce their drinking, was rejected by most of the decision makers. Perceptions that members of the policy working party were taking an anti-alcohol stance engendered criticisms that the policy reflected the work of 'wowsers' and 'health zealots'. The major lessons learned were that policy formulation, presentation and negotiation are skilled tasks. Preventers need a range of abilities with perhaps the foremost being the capacity to listen to criticism, consult genuinely and implement change slowly. The notion that preventers know what is good for other people needs to be avoided. Preventive policy, if it is to be implemented, has to be introduced by invitation not imposition.

Guarding the guardians: influencing the regulation of alcohol promotions in Australia

Alcoholic beverage advertising in Australia is allowed provided it conforms with a Code of Conduct approved by the Media Council of Australia (a collective of media proprietors). This system, known as self-regulation, has come under increasing critical scrutiny. It is argued from a systemic perspective that research has been one factor that has led to this increased scrutiny of alcoholic beverage advertising. Important other factors include the advent of the Australian National Campaign against Drug Abuse (which crucially included alcohol on its agenda), some erosion of the alcoholic beverage producers political status, declining per capita consumption, and an increase in media reporting on alcohol and drug issues. By examination of five research reports recently released on alcohol advertising it is argued that, in order to influence policy makers in an area where there is substantial opposition to change, research must be deftly marketed, contain information of political relevance, such as opinion poll material, and be used as a lobbying tool. The role of researchers in this process is considered.